Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

We all knew it was coming, we just didn't know when. But as his name infers, Sly Cooper has snuck back out of the shadows for a new game, heading to the PlayStation 3 in 2012 as Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Unlike previous Sly games, Sucker Punch will be sitting this one out, with Sly Cooper Collection devs Sanzaru Games taking the helm.

The previously teased fourth game in the Sly series got a swanky teaser during Sony's E3 2011 presser, showing off a slinky animal jumping all over the place. We're told he's a lizard named Dmitri, but we get the feeling that the raconteur raccoon will make an appearance at some point.

Hey, you! With the sticky fingers! A new raccoon-based simulator to help enhance your craft is coming, and you'll want to pay attention. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time has been given the less ambiguous release window of "this fall" on PlayStation 3.

The fourth installment in Sly's universe gives players control of his family tree, throwing players in multiple locales, including ancient Japan. But wait, you ask as you Google the same information as us, weren't raccoons only introduced to Japan in the 1960s? Clearly the game is not as realistic as we thought. But the animals talk, so that makes it slightly more realistic.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time also features collectible costumes, granting the bandit bold new powers, as well as a continuation of the franchise's open-world design philosophy, according to the PlayStation Blog.

It’s been too long since I’ve posted to PlayStation.Blog…but soon you’ll see why! We recently joined Spike’s Geoff Keighley on the latest episode of GTTV tonight to show off some cool new Carmelita gameplay in addition to a very special announcement: Sly Cooper is coming to PS Vita this fall!

First off, a look at new gameplay. As every Sly fan knows, Sly Cooper and Carmelita Fox have a long and torrid history — a history that’s destined to continue in Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. The game picks up where Sly 3 left off, and Sly is feigning amnesia so he can be with the love of his life, Carmelita. But when he rejoins the Cooper Gang on their time-traveling escapade to restore his family’s legacy, you can be sure Carmelita will quickly become embroiled in their wild adventure.

Now for more big news! Ever since we revealed the game, fans have been asking me about PS Vita, arguing that Sly would be a great game to take on the go. I completely agree…and I can now confirm that Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time will be shipping this fall on BOTH the PS3 and the PS Vita, on the same day.

The portable version will contain all the same awesome Sly Cooper action you will find on the PS3 along with cool Vita-specific features that incorporate the front and rear touchscreens and motion controls. The game will also feature cross-save capability, so you’ll be able to save the game from either machine and then pick up right where you left off — whether you’re at home or on the go.

Well, today we’re happy to announce that Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time will be releasing in March both at retail AND on the PlayStation Network (that’s right, day and date!).

In case you didn’t catch it, if you buy the PS3 version of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (through traditional retailers or via PlayStation Network), you will be able to download the PS Vita version of Thieves in Time from the PSN at no additional cost! Now that’s a … wait for it … A STEAL!